The Trainer
Chapter 26
Andrea had outdone herself, she had scheduled a caterer and baker to come to the house with samples, along with a store who sold wedding attire. A rack of wedding dresses and another rack of maid-of-honor and flower girl dresses were being delivered to the house, along with a salesperson. Katherine was effectively taking over the decorating for Willow and Wolf's wedding.
Tommy had a full-blown cold and Annika was not feeling well, so Mike couldn't take the boys out. He and Wolf hid in the living room while Willow tried on her selections for a wedding dress in the apartment. It was an emotional day for Willow and Hannah. They were both missing their mom and Andrea tried to not intrude on the grief they were both sharing. After the fifth dress; Willow found 'the dress.' She was absolutely beautiful. It had lace that covered her shoulders and formed three-quarter length sleeves and a sweetheart neckline, the gown was on the fuller side. The salesclerk had brought several veils with her but Andrea brought a veil out that Mike had found in his storage shed; belonging to Christine and her mother and grandmother. It was nothing short of a miracle that it was still intact and in great repair. As soon as Andrea put it on Willow, they all knew it was exactly the right touch.
"Mom's veil?" Willow asked.
"Yeah, your dad found it. He said it was what your mom wore to their wedding and was her mother and grandmother's. It's only fitting that you wear it now." Andrea suggested.
"It is beautiful." The salesclerk, Anna agreed.
"Its perfect…but the dress is so expensive…" Willow started.
"Dad and I are covering that. No argument either." Andrea told her firmly and Willow nodded. She and Mike were still on shaky ground and she was still nervous around him. The fear of being hurt was huge.
"It looks really nice." Hannah stated, standing up slowly. Katherine had stayed quiet but had stayed nodding. Hannah had had a seizure the night before and was extremely exhausted but had put on a good front for Willow. Andrea had promised that as soon as Willow had selected the proper dresses, and measurements had been taken, Hannah could cuddle up next to Mike while Willow and Wolf tried cake and food samples. That was all Hannah wanted when she didn't feel well. Willow thankfully realized her sister was not doing well and picked out a wine-colored strapless dress that would look beautiful on Hannah.
"I think I really like this color. Hannah, what do you think? Try it on and then you can go in the living room with Dad?" Willow asked.
"I like it." Hannah said quietly and Andrea followed her into the bathroom to try the dress on. It fit her slim figure perfectly and she was absolutely beautiful in it. Mike and Andrea had noticed that Hannah had lost all self-confidence since her strokes, and she hadn't had a lot to begin with.
"How about we go show your dad and Wolf? They don't want to see Willow but no rules about seeing you." Andrea suggested as she pulled her phone out, sending Mike a text to compliment Hannah when she came out.
"Sure." Hannah agreed quietly and Andrea helped her through Willow's living area and into the main living area where they were met with whistles from both Mike and Wolf. MJ and Tommy were both cheering too.
"Hannah, you look like a princess!" Annika stated happily. Mike had passed Lauren over to Wolf and stood up to greet his second-oldest. He would always be Hannah's biggest hero and loudest cheerleader, something he was not for Willow. He came around and pulled Hannah into a hug.
"You look absolutely beautiful, sweetheart." Mike told her as he kissed her forehead. Andrea had to smile at their sweet relationship. It was something Mike was replicating with Annika and Lauren. He just seemed to spin his wheels with Willow. No matter how much they loved one another and how badly they wanted a good relationship; it was not something they could achieve. Andrea worried that at some point, there would be a death blow to their relationship.
"I'm tired." Hannah told him and Andrea nodded at Mike. It was time for Hannah to find her way back into her pajamas and onto the couch next to Mike.
"C'mon. I'll help you into your pajamas and you can hang out on the couch. Mike, the veil was a big hit. She looks beautiful." Andrea told Mike as she took ahold of Hannah's elbow. Mike smiled in response and gave Andrea a kiss. Andrea walked Hannah back into Willow's apartment and helped her into the requested pajamas. As they walked back through, Andrea heard Willow say something that immediately worried her. Anna had been asking about what the groom, best man and father-of-the-bride was wearing.
"Just khakis and white button downs with a matching vest. Maybe that wine color that Hannah's dress is in. It'll look good on Wolf and Jim both." Willow told her, apparently not noticing Andrea or Hannah.
"What about Daddy?" Hannah asked. Andrea knew that she hadn't been told about what had happened the week before. Willow looked exceptionally guilty and Katherine immediately jumped in to help Andrea.
"Hannah, how about I help you into the living room?" Katherine asked and Hannah complied but looked back at Willow.
"Willow, I know you and Daddy have problems because of me but he really loves you and it will break his heart if he can't give you away. Chances are, I won't ever get married. I know Jim did a lot for us but Daddy is…Daddy. I don't understand why you would even consider anyone else to give you away." Hannah said before walking out and Andrea gave Willow a look. Anna excused herself to step outside and Andrea walked up to Willow.
"She's right. It will break his heart and I seriously doubt that he will even show up for it. Willow, I get it. Your dad has hurt you, time and time again. You've been hurt and disappointed by him but I promise; he has always loved you. He wants to have a good relationship with you and has really tried since he got home. Give him a chance. Have you asked Jim?" Andrea asked.
"I…no. I hadn't said anything." Willow admitted.
"So, why?" Andrea asked.
"I didn't want him to feel obligated. He already feels obligated to just love me. That's all I want. He shouldn't feel obligated to pay for my wedding or give me away." Willow stated and Andrea sat down next to her.
"Willow, my parents were not…nice people. Not abusive but they should not have been parents. For them, me getting pregnant so young was a huge black eye. They sent me away to stay with an aunt and made me give Katherine up immediately; not caring that I wanted to keep her. A year later, I signed up for and was able to get into the Navy at seventeen; almost eighteen. They wanted rid of me so they signed the paperwork. I never looked back. They died some years later. What I am trying to say is, I know what its like to have parents that only 'love' a child because that child is biologically theirs. Your dad is not that type of parent. Yes, he's said things he shouldn't have and been…distant but he does love you deeply. He is trying so hard to be better for you and this wedding is a huge thing for him." Andrea said just before Mike came through the door.
"What the hell, Willow? Hannah just said you were going to have Jim give you away. I'm your father. It's my job! And you didn't even have the nerve to tell me yourself?" Mike demanded and Andrea stood up and put a calming hand on his arm. Willow also stood up to face her dad.
"The fact that you see it as a job is a problem." Willow argued. Andrea could tell that Mike was trying desperately to rein in his temper in before he said something stupid.
"Wrong wording. I'm stepping out for a bit." Mike said before walking back out.
"Willow, you need to understand; he is really hurt by this. Give him space. I'll talk to him." Andrea told her even though she knew that this had been the death blow she had been worried about. Andrea left her sitting in her apartment and followed Mike into the living area. Wolf was sitting in the recliner, watching the younger kids and Hannah had Lauren on her chest, laying on the couch. Mike was nowhere around. "Where's Mike?" Andrea asked Wolf.
"Upstairs. He's pretty upset." Wolf said and Andrea nodded.
"Can you watch them for a bit?" Andrea asked and Wolf nodded back. She ran up the stairs, knowing Mike would be in their bedroom. Sure enough, he was throwing some clothes in his duffel bag. "Where are you going?" Andrea asked, even though she knew the answer. Mike was going to the hunting cabin he always went to when things got rough.
"Hunting cabin. I will keep my cellphone charged when I can." Mike stated.
"I see. Things are okay between you and I, right? Normally you go to the cabin when they aren't." Andrea asked, knowing things were fine between them.
"This isn't about you and me. We're good." Mike assured her.
"Well, I understand why you would need to get away from Willow and that she's hurt you. But, you are at the same time, distancing yourself from Hannah; whose recovery is dependent on you. You are her whole world, her biggest advocate, her hero. She needs you here. And MJ? That little guy is just getting to know you. Do you want him to think when things get rough, you'll just walk away? When he does something wrong?" Andrea asked as she pulled Mike into a hug. He pulled away but leaned his forehead onto her's. He was taking some deep breaths and Andrea knew he was calming down.
"I hurt." Mike finally told her and Andrea nodded. When Mike got hurt; he got angry. Willow was so much like him that it was not even funny.
"Stay up here. I'll handle the caterers and such. Just take a breather." Andrea told him and Mike nodded. It was a better option then the hunting cabin.
"I love you." Mike said simply and Andrea gave him a kiss.
"I love you too." Andrea responded before pulling away. She had heard the doorbell ring and needed to get downstairs.
"If you need to bring the kids up; go ahead." Mike told her and Andrea nodded before going downstairs. Willow and Wolf was sitting at the kitchen table, speaking to the caterer. Willow gave her a worried look and Andrea just nodded at her. Hannah was lying on the couch, holding Lauren and Andrea decided to have all the kids to go up with Mike. He needed to be surrounded by their love and innocence.
"Hey, Hannah; let's go up to Dad?" Andrea asked and Hannah nodded. Katherine stood up and they collected the younger kids and their toys. Hannah was mastering the steps but it was a struggle, even though Andrea was holding Lauren. They finally reached the master bedroom and MJ, Tommy and Annika launched themselves at the bed where Mike was sitting. The duffel bag had disappeared and Mike seemed happy to see his kids. Katherine helped Hannah onto the bed and Andrea pulled a blanket over her. Mike had taken Lauren and was cuddling with MJ and the twins. Katherine made sure they were settled and made her way downstairs.
"Thanks for bringing them up. Perfect cure." Mike said as he kissed the top of Annika's head.
"I figured it would be. Just relax. I think naptime might be in order." Andrea suggested.
"Good idea." Mike said as he glanced over at his kids. They were getting sleepy.
"Just take a breather. I will handle Willow." Andrea gave him a kiss and then headed downstairs. She sat down next to Willow and gave her a look. The caterer had all kinds of samples laid out and Willow and Wolf were sampling them and arguing.
"I like the vegetarian option." Wolf stated. He tended to eat healthier then Willow.
"I really don't want to have a black bean anything at my wedding." Willow said as she eyed the sample. It didn't have black beans in it.
"Ma'am, that is spinach. There isn't a bit of black bean it. Just try it." The caterer stated and Willow took a big gulp and then ate a tiny piece of it. She made a face and then took a bigger piece. Andrea was pretty certain she had seen Mike do the same thing.
"Not bad?" Wolf asked.
"Not horrible. It's…I could see how it might be an option." Willow said. It was non-committal.
"Alright, we will do those and some sausage balls. Those are always popular. Goes well for a barbeque. And your dad is smoking pork?" The caterer asked and Willow gave Andrea a panicked look.
"That's the plan. And you will work with the baker?" Andrea asked.
"Yes, ma'am. She will be here in a few minutes." The caterer stated, packing up his equipment.
"Alright, in the meantime; we need to pick colors; Willow, you seem to be going towards this wine color and khaki; is that the theme?" Andrea asked.
"Yeah, I love those colors. Wolf?" Willow asked.
"I am fine with that." Wolf agreed. Andrea could tell, he didn't care.
"Flowers?" Andrea continued as the caterer was leaving.
"I like tulips most." Willow stated.
"So, dark pink tulips for your bouquet and the boutonniere? What about baby's breath for the complimentary?" Andrea asked.
"I like that." Willow agreed. There was something obviously on her mind but Andrea had to push her through the decisions.
"Table linens? I was thinking that it would look nice with the lighter khaki under with a wine-colored sheer over it, kind of draped. We won't go elaborate, since its pool side." Andrea assured her and Willow and Wolf nodded.
"Sounds nice…and expensive." Willow agreed.
"Which is why we are not going super elaborate. Besides, you don't need to worry about the expense." Andrea stated before answering the door for the baker. She helped her lay out her samples and sat down next to Willow. She could tell Willow was just not feeling it.
"Alright, if we do a two-tier, we can do lemon chiffon with a raspberry filling, and then the top layer can be white. The icing is buttercream with a hint of lemon zest." The baker suggested and pointed at the option. It was clearly her favorite. Andrea, Willow and Wolf all tried a bite and nodded at each other.
"I really like that but I do want a chocolate option; making cupcakes?" Willow asked.
"We can do chocolate with a ganache top and a hint of raspberry to tie it in. I don't have a sample but I would be happy to do one beforehand." The baker suggested and Willow nodded vigorously.
"I think that sounds great. Wolf, did you want a groom's cake?" Willow asked and Wolf shook his head.
"No. With the cupcakes, it gives another option. I don't see the point. What about drinks?" Wolf asked.
"Tea, lemonade, water and I am sure there will be a beer keg; per your dad and champagne for the two of you." Andrea filled them in and they both nodded. Willow looked down at her hands but at least there was a nod.
"Sounds good." Wolf answered for Willow.
"Alright, that pretty well ties it up. I will get with you, Mrs. Slattery." The baker said before collecting her things and leaving. When Andrea looked back at Willow, she noticed the tears rolling down her cheeks.
"Willow, listen to me…today…did a lot of damage but your dad still loves you. I suggest…give him some space. Remember last week, when you were hurting so badly? You hurt him as badly. You took your time away. You and your dad are so much alike. When he is ready, he will reach out, just like you did. In the meantime; just give him the time. He does love you but this…this maybe too much." Andrea warned the young woman and Willow nodded. She had pulled her into a hug and Wolf was rubbing her back.
"To make things easier; I think we'll stay at my place. Willow will be close for the kids but will give Mike the time he needs." Wolf assured her and Andrea nodded.
"I'd like to go upstairs and say bye." Willow asked and Andrea nodded.
"This is not bye but go ahead. They maybe sleeping though." Andrea agreed and Willow stood up. Andrea followed her up the stairs, just to make sure it was a peaceful. Mike had turned on a cartoon and the kids were watching it. Hannah had fallen asleep, holding Lauren, who was also asleep; but everyone else was awake.
"Hey, guys; I am going to be staying at Wolf's for a few days…but I'll be around. I just wanted to let you know that I would be close and I love you all." Willow told MJ, Tommy and Annika. Tommy and Annika didn't seem to understand it but MJ's eyes welled up with tears and he clung to Mike who had pulled him onto his lap. Willow started to bend down to comfort MJ but Mike shook his head at her.
"Willow just go. Don't make this any harder on him." Mike told her and Willow nodded. She stood back up and should have just walked out but instead bent back over and kissed the top of MJ's head. Andrea knew she was stepping on Mike's nerves and tapped her shoulder before Mike could say anything else.
"I'll check in." Willow said quietly.
"Don't bother. You don't want to be a part of this family. I am not going to allow you to hurt them more then you already have. It is my job to protect them. I get it, I did a shitty job with you but I never set out to hurt you. I always loved you but it seems like that never mattered. I am tired of having my heart stomped on. But more than that, I can't have his heart stomped on. Until you can figure that out, I want you nowhere near them. No matter how much I love you and want you in this family, they need to be okay. I will help you figure that out, will go to therapy with you if need be but this can't happen again. Now, go." Mike demanded. Andrea realized, he had drawn a line in the sand and Willow nodded. She leaned back over and gave MJ another kiss and shockingly, kissed Mike's forehead. Mike just blinked in response and concentrated back on his sobbing little boy. Willow left the room and Andrea rubbed MJ's back.
"I know you aren't okay. That had to hurt." Andrea asked Mike who nodded.
"It did. I meant every word of it though. I am hoping she agrees to therapy. I hate the idea but if it would fix all this, I would be game." Mike stated and Andrea nodded. Mike hated therapy with a passion, even though they had both had to spend a fair amount of time in a therapist's office after bringing the cure home. Mike understood the need but hated it. He hated focusing on himself.
"I know she's been seeing a therapist. I will encourage her to make an appointment for the two of you." Andrea reassured him.
"Thank you. Am I wrong to be like this?" Mike asked.
"No, Mike. I have no idea where this came from with her. I thought things were going well." Andrea said.
"I did too. I think that's why it hurt so badly. I could see her thinking she would have him give her away last week but not now." Mike admitted as he cuddled MJ even closer. The little boy had stopped sobbing and was almost asleep.
"Just don't forget to love her. No matter how hurt and angry you are, love her. It's the whole unconditional love thing." Andrea instructed.
"I know, that's why I am scared I made the wrong move, telling her to go. I was going to stay something even more stupid." Mike admitted.
"Just relax and concentrate on them. You have put him to sleep, by the way." Andrea stated as she pointed to MJ. The little boy had latched onto Mike's shirt with his right hand and had ahold of Mike's hand with his left hand. Mike smiled down at him but didn't attempt to move him. The little boy needed to be cuddled up.
"Poor, little guy. He did ask me earlier if he and I could do something tomorrow afternoon. I think he's feeling a bit neglected." Mike remarked and Andrea nodded. Their life had been busy, with Hannah's illness, Katherine's introduction to the family and Willow's wedding.
"He is bonding with you. Let him." Andrea said as she stood up.
"I plan on it. Maybe I won't be a screw up parent with him like I am with Willow." Mike stated, obviously turning the blame on himself.
"Mike, this is on her. Don't blame yourself for this. You have a right to be hurt and angry." Andrea told him and he nodded.
"I just don't want this to be the end of the story. I have a great relationship with Hannah. I want that with all of my kids." Mike remarked at he looked towards his sleeping daughter.
"Think about what makes it so amazing and see if you can replicate it with Willow. It can't be exactly the same but it can be close. Willow and Hannah are completely different and Hannah is not so jaded. She is…innocent. She believes the absolute best about you without a doubt because that's what she's always had from you; Willow has had to deal with the long deployments, raising kids, etc. There is no fix for that. And even when you and she have had time to yourselves, you have been worried about the other kids, about work, Christine or me. She has never had you to herself." Andrea told him and Mike nodded.
"Yes, but neither have the other kids." Mike argued.
"When you are at Hannah's physical therapy; do you think about me or the kids? Work?" Andrea asked.
"This could get me in trouble but no. And I see your point." Mike admitted.
"Okay, I rest my case." Andrea said as she bent down and gave Mike a kiss.
"You are amazing." Mike said quietly.
"I have my moments. Take it easy. I'll handle supper. Supper in bed for you and the kids?" Andrea suggested and Mike laughed.
"Sure, why not?" Mike agreed before Andrea went downstairs. The twins had also cuddled up and fell asleep next to Mike and Hannah and Lauren were sound asleep, thankfully. When Andrea walked downstairs, Wolf and Willow were nowhere around and so Andrea started dinner, hoping they could repair things once both Mike and Willow cooled down. It was a huge disadvantage that they were so much alike.